What are we all going to do this year if Oden DOES NOT shut up the haters? What if he comes in and continues to struggle the way he did last year? (Which I could truly see happen) What then? Will it be time to trade him? Will it be time for a different head coach and system. What would be your next plan for GO? I'm rather hoping we won't be having this discussion. But I think much of Nate's future as head coach of the blazers relies on the development of him. Do you agree? Or No. So I guess the question is, Who goes if he doesn't develop? He or Nate? Thoughts.
If Oden does develop, then the Haters and constant whiners will find someone ELSE to hate. That wont ever change IMO. it was Jack 2 years ago, Outlaw and GO this last year, and it will only be someone else next year. I personally am not too worried about Oden developing or not. Just him staying on the floor will be good cause he is productive.
Oden actually played well last year. He just didn't stay on the floor long enough. If he continues to have foul problems which don't fade over the year? Hmm, I guess I'd be concerned. He needs to be more than a 20-25 MPG player. Not really sure what else to say beyond that...I expect him to get his fouls under control, but if he can't, it will severely limit his value as a player.
Considering what he has gone through, I don't think he struggled last year. Of course I wanted bigger numbers, but I was content to have my rookie big man coming off of surgery play the way he did.
you did not really answer his question. it was a hypothetical "what do you do if oden doesn't develop?"
I don't think there's anything he could possible do to not have us extend him for 4 years or match anyone who does. Even if he never improves from last year, he's going to get paid. Look at the contract Przy got 3 years ago, for goodness' sakes. If he MF's his other knee, they'll rehab him and see what a 23-year old 7'1 defensive and rebounding beast looks like in 2010-11. No trade will happen.
If Oden continues his foul trouble, you keep him around as a back up. When Pryz' contract runs out, you find a new big man. But Oden will always be atleast solid back up, if not a super-star starter!
Wouldn't you agree that it will make KP's job a whole lot easier signing him if he does come out next year, kicks arse and takes names?
Easy, you continue to work with him. It's not like this is a make or break year for Oden. He's 21 now and will be 22 at the end of the coming season. He's WAY too young and has WAY too much potential to even consider giving up on him. Some players, especially big men, take longer to develop than others. Given the fact that Oden has already shown he can be very productive when he's actually on the court, it would be extemely short sighted (and just plain dumb) to give up on him so soon. I have no idea if Nate is the "right" coach for Greg. If Greg shows little, or no improvement his season, I think you try to find somebody else for him to work with during the off season. It wasn't Nate that held Greg back last season, it was foul trouble. As Greg adjusts to the speed of the NBA game (which seemed to surprise him last year after 19 months away from competitive basketball - 2 summer league games and 1 pick-up game at 24-Hour Fitness excluded) and regains some of the lateral quickness and explosiveness he lost after the surgery, I think the fouls will go down, the minutes will go up and the haters go away (a guy can dream). BNM
That would be a hard pill to swallow! I think I would keep him, sign him to another CHEAP ass contract (because he is in his final year of the rookie contract this year, right?) and see how he does on his 2nd contract at a much cheaper price!
No, I wouldn't agree with that. If Oden stinks it up, he'll be easy to re-sign and a huge bargain. If he dominates, you are looking at another max. to near max. player. He'll be re-signed either way. The only quesion is how much. The better Oden plays, they more money his agent will demand. BNM
why does this have to be the make or break year for Oden? He will still be very young after this season. Even if he never improves, every team wants a big man like him on their roster.
In theory, it can be construed as a contract year for him. If he expects big money in his future like Roy and Aldridge did this summer, he has to produce. Then again, he can also break out the season after and become a RFA.
With Oden's size, even when he struggle, he can help the team. Big men of his size don't come around too often. So I suspect the Blazers will continue to work with him . . .even if he continues to struggle.
